[Diabetes-Talk] {Spam?} RE: {Spam?} Re: {Spam?} RE: Medtronic & Inpen

Veronica Elsea veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com
Mon Aug 17 20:16:18 UTC 2020 

Melanie, with the older pod, it is not connected to the G6. I enter my numbers manually. If you use the new remote, or PDM as they call it, then the Dexcom is incorporated into the G6, but of course, we can't make use of any of that.
Hope this helps.
Veronica


"Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
To learn more, visit:
http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
                Veronica Elsea, Owner
Laurel Creek Music Designs
Santa Cruz, California
Phone: 831-429-6407


-----Original Message-----
From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Melanie Torrance via Diabetes-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020 3:09 PM
To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
Cc: Melanie Torrance
Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] {Spam?} Re: {Spam?} RE: Medtronic & Inpen

Veronica-Is it compatible with Dexcom G6?
Yes-I can’t change the cartridge by myself any more; so I need to find something easier that will work better for me. Thanks for your help.
Melanie

Sent from Melanie's i phone

> On Aug 15, 2020, at 5:40 PM, Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Rick and all.
> Thanks for working on an insulin pump and when it appears, I'd be somewhere beyond stupid not to look at it. Just food for thought, here are my concerns when designing a specialized pump like this. By the time it comes out, how up to date is it. When sighted people have closed loop systems and everything working together, I can't say I'd find myself interested in technology that is five years out of date. It's easy for bigger companies to talk to each other and develop things together, but my experience is that once a product gets the label of, oh, this is for blind people, nobody touches it and it doesn't get updated. 
> And boy did I learn a lot when I crashed an FDA conference on medical devices in 2018. The thing that amazed me the most was how far into the design these products are when they submit their first approval for marketing. So if we want to get involved with other companies, we need to do it before the first focus group is formed. The FDA was supposed to form a task force to work on how to address adapting products for accessibility and someone took my email but I don't think anything ever happened. They sure talked a good game at the conference. I still get all their emails so if they ever have another one online or something, trust me, I'll be there. I did get to speak in 2018 and boy, I'd do it again. 
> I just want to be able to have the best tools for managing my diabetes that I can get. But I still haven't forgiven Medtronic for all of their stupid stunts over the years though.
> Anyway, eagerly watching but I'm a wait and see kind of girl right now. But I'll keep pounding because frankly, if sighted people have choices, why shouldn't we. I hate the fact that we all got stuck with such an inferior BG meter like the Prodigy because everyone was lulled into thinking okay, that company is taking care of those blind people, whew! We don't have to. So we lost choice. We lost competition. We lost any hope of accurate readings unless we made our own talking boxes and used commercial products. So a lot of education is needed with the manufacturers, still.
> Thanks for reading.
> Veronica
> 
> 
> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
> To learn more, visit:
> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>                Veronica Elsea, Owner
> Laurel Creek Music Designs
> Santa Cruz, California
> Phone: 831-429-6407
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Rick Mladek via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020 2:53 AM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Cc: Rick Mladek
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Hi Sandi,
> 
> I do understand your lack of confidence with anything regarding needs for any and all, especially when ignored and going unmet. I am one of you all, blind, diabetic and frustrated as hell with those we put in office and as much, for those we are forced to support through our purchases. 
> 
> All of you do need to know the process of getting any product through FDA approval is daunting. When a company designs their device, they go through an enormous expense fom the engineering standpoint to the legal and compliance to simply get their product approved for market. When they consider changes, as they have all told me, it is the cost and the manpower they will not consider to put one change of their product through the FDA process from the beginning, again.
> 
> Yes, why do they not consider such accessibility from the beginning? Now if we knew this answer, we'd all be billionaires. However, when those of us realize we are not only blind, deaf or otherwise having a disability, for our case here, but we speak to those deaf to our pleas, we stand before those blind towards our actions for needs going unmet and we are most, ignored simply out of their belief is that if they compromise for one group, all wanting their needs met within marketed products will overwhelm them. From those of us blind, deaf to what, those left handed or technological unsavvy? I understand their concerns but I have been quietly working and we have an overwhelming product in the making. 
> 
> I've logged yur points, we have initialized your points or changes needed and most, we have not only heard your frustrations but I and we, too, have been no different. If we had only the support from you all to be as one and not being only one in front of many, the so called little fish in a big pond situation, then I do believe this product we are engineering, designing and to bring to market so all of us can at least be truly independent with our diabetes care and insulin intake. I do expect doubts, hopefully you all will become more supportive as this all comes together. I am confident you will when we finally make a fully public press report but for now, just know that I and we are doing all we can for us, not for one or another but for all of us needing a little extra accessibility...
> 
> Thank you again for the kind words, it is these I share with those on our team and it is these comments we do receive that fuel all we do...
> 
> Be safe and well,
> 
> Rick
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sandi Ryan via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 11:23 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: sjryan2 at gmail.com
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Amen, Veronica! I tried to convince the NFB that insulin pumps and dishwashers are not at all the same thing, and all I was told was that they hope by putting these things altogether into one package of legislation, they can end up with what we want. What?! A similar package was proposed in 2010, before I was a member of the DAN. It didn't work then, and it won't work now. I sure hope what Rick talked about will happen, but forgive me if I've about lost hope. I sure don't understand how this particular issue, which is potentially a life-or-death issue, can be so misunderstood by NFB!
> 
> Sandi
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 6:22 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Yes Bridgit. And we came very close about a year and a half ago. But when new people took over and they were not interested in working on accessible medical devices by themselves, I dropped out. Look at the current proposed resolution. They're lumped in with dishwashers, calling for standards through the access board, stuff that will take ten years, and by then, the medical devices won't even vaguely resemble what we have now. If these organizations had jumped when I was screaming at them years ago, we'd be on board for all of these upcoming closed loop systems which sighted people will have in a couple of years. There's one in final trials right now that would be the most incredible gift but right now, we're not in line. It's a very sad and disappointing state of affairs and it bugs me for all sorts of selfish reasons. After just about completely closing down my business for six months to focus on this with the NFB, I felt really discouraged when they just dropped everything without so much as a thanks for your time. So I took a break and then was ready to hop on it again when Covid hit. So I'll just keep looking for doors I can pound on, people I can beg or anything else that seems reasonable. And the thing is, I'm finding more and more medical devices that are going this way, using the smart phone interface. Everything from Cpap to other medication delivery systems. In short order it won't be just us. 
> Anyway, thanks for reading my rant but man I've been trying. And I haven't quit yet. I'm glad to have your company, all of you on this list because seeing how many people want this stuff sure keeps me going.
> Thanks a bunch. Hugs!
> Veronica
> 
> 
> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
> To learn more, visit:
> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>                Veronica Elsea, Owner
> Laurel Creek Music Designs
> Santa Cruz, California
> Phone: 831-429-6407
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 4:07 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind'
> Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Are you F-ing kidding me? NFB and ACB are not willing to help make this a reality? That's bananas. Isn't this the exact reason blind consumer orgs exist?
> 
> Bridgit
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Veronica Elsea via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 6:02 PM
> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Veronica Elsea <veronica at laurelcreekmusic.com>
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Hi Melanie and all.
> Yes, I am using the Omnipod, but I am using the older style PDM, which still has buttons and yes, I can use the Seeing AI app to read it, even out in public. 
> And yes, it is clear about the new PDM. It's not accessible. It's called Dash and they are close to coming out with the continuous connection with Dexcom. But we would be unable to read our numbers or do anything. The Dash is based on a Samsung smart phone, but the phone part is removed. I have been trying really hard to find someone at Google to set up a program of putting TalkBack in these devices, which would make them accessible, but I'm doing this completely on my own. Neither NFB or ACB are interested. So I will keep trudging along by myself to find someone. But it got really hard to chase anyone down once Covid hit. At least they are not getting rid of the old remotes yet. I've been using the Omnipod for two years plus a few months now and don't really want to switch. It would be great to have this system up and running on a pump with no tubing. There is a group of pumpers who figured out how to hack these older remotes and make a connection with Dexcom. They are called loopers. It works really well but once again, we'd lose access to all of our information so we don't have that option. If I thought we did, I'd be on it like ants on my meatloaf. <grin.> Anyway, give me a shout if there's any more you'd like to know and I'll see what I can do.
> Veronica
> 
> 
> "Guide Dogs, First Hand", Veronica Elsea's classic album is now available on iTunes, along with other music from her and from the Guide Dog Glee Club. 
> To learn more, visit:
> http://www.laurelcreekmusic.com
>                Veronica Elsea, Owner
> Laurel Creek Music Designs
> Santa Cruz, California
> Phone: 831-429-6407
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Diabetes-Talk [mailto:diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Melanie Torrance via Diabetes-Talk
> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 3:02 PM
> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind
> Cc: Melanie Torrance
> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
> 
> Thanks Bridget!
> Melanie
> 
> Sent from Melanie's i phone
> 
>> On Aug 14, 2020, at 5:47 PM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Veronica here is the only person I know of who is using it nonvisually. She can let you know aboutit, but from what I understand from Veronica, she's only been able to make the Omnipod work using apps like Seeing AI to read and navigate through the remote. However, Omnipod is in the process of switching from a tactile remote to a touchscreen style, and it's not clear if work-arounds will be possible for nonvisual users. If I'm wrong about any of this Veronica, let me know.
>> 
>> Bridgit
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
>> Melanie Torrance via Diabetes-Talk
>> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 4:07 PM
>> To: Diabetes Talk for the Blind <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: Melanie Torrance <melanietorrance at icloud.com>
>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
>> 
>> Has anyone had any experience with the Omnipod insulin pump on this site? I heard they were hoping to integrate that pump with Dexcom. 
>> Melanie
>> Sent from Melanie's i phone
>> 
>>>> On Aug 14, 2020, at 4:58 PM, gary-melconian via Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Brigit, just like you, I am also trying to  do research on the 
>>> matter.as I would be interested in something that would be smart for 
>>> me to even better benefit from my diabetes management with the cgm 
>>> system that I am currently using which is the freestyle libre.
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
>>> Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 7:50 AM
>>> To: 'Diabetes Talk for the Blind' <diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Cc: Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter <bkpollpeter at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
>>> 
>>> Verlyn,
>>> 
>>> Do you use voiceover to access the InPen app? I'm thinking of 
>>> transitioning to the InPen but need to make sure the app is accessible with voiceover.
>>> 
>>> If InPen can pair with Dexcom, this is similar to pumps that have 
>>> CGMs built in. While InPen is not a sub-Q system, I like the idea of 
>>> it being able to connect with my Dexcom.
>>> 
>>> Bridgit
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Diabetes-Talk <diabetes-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of 
>>> Verlyn Baldwin via Diabetes-Talk
>>> Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 11:50 PM
>>> To: diabetes-talk at nfbnet.org
>>> Cc: Verlyn Baldwin <letsdanceintx at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: [Diabetes-Talk] Medtronic & Inpen
>>> 
>>> I've been using the Inpen with my IPhone app and Dexcom G6 since 
>>> January 2020. While it definitely isn't a pump I think it is the best 
>>> alternative for the time being. However, this may not be true for everyone.
>>> 
>>> Today I spoke with my local Inpen representative. I wanted to know 
>>> what his thoughts were about Medtronic purchasing the company 
>>> manufacturing the Inpen. He stated that Inpen will remain its own
>>> identity within the Medtronic Company. The future plans are to make 
>>> the Inpen app automatically calculate out the insulin dose it 
>>> recommends you inject based on your current blood glucose level and 
>>> the carb, glucose level and insulin ratios that have been programed 
>>> into the Inpen app. Whether or not the communication between the CGM 
>>> and Inpen will be automatic through Bluetooth or something rather 
>>> than the individual having to enter their BG into the app I am not sure.
>>> I told the rep that I would be hesitant to just accept this 
>>> information and go ahead and inject the amount the Inpen is 
>>> suggesting. He did agree that factors such as stress, exercise etc.
>>> would not be something the Inpen would be able to calculate in its suggested dose.
>>> 
>>> Currently the thing I like best about the Inpen app is that it tells 
>>> me how much insulin I have on board (remaining and working) from my last injection.
>>> This way if I get a high glucose warning I can check my insulin on 
>>> board before deciding whether or not to inject more insulin to bring 
>>> down my glucose level and prevent a low BG from happening.
>>> 
>>> Anyone wishing to contact me for more information on my personal use 
>>> with the Inpen is welcome to email me at letsdanceintx at gmail.com 
>>> Verlyn Baldwin
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> 40hotm
>>> ail.com
>>> 
>>> 
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>>> mail.com
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>>> ance%40icloud.com
>> 
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